Education

UC Berkeley and University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law — Juris Doctor (J.D.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science (2008)

Community Activities

Member, Berkeley Tenants Union (2012–current)

Member, Chavez/Huerta Commemoration Committee (2009–current)

Member, Communities for a Better Environment (2014–current)

Co-founder , Richmond Progressive Alliance (2003–current)

Coach, NOLL/SOLL Baseball (2014–current)

Who supports this candidate?

Featured Endorsements

Alameda County School Board Superintendent Emerita Sheila Jordan

BART Board Director Rebecca Saltzman

Berkeley School Board Directors Judy Appel

Questions & Answers

Questions from League of Women Voters—Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville (2)

If you are elected, what would you like to achieve during your term in office?

Answer from Alejandro Soto-Vigil:

Over the last four years I have been a leader on the Rent Board. I’ve pushed to increase staff based on an unprecedented demand for services. I successfully led the effort to increase allocations for the Eviction Defense Center and East Bay Community Law Center because certain landlords have sought to unlawfully evict tenants. Our eviction defense partners have seen their caseloads drastically increase. The demand for their services is more important than ever. I want Berkeley voters to know that when they vote for me, I will continue pushing to help our most vulnerable residents from being homeless from unlawful rent increases and constructive eviction.

What do you consider the most important issue facing the Rent Control Board?

Answer from Alejandro Soto-Vigil:

Seniors, students, and working families confront rising rents and threatened evictions. Because of this, the Rent Board has seen 2,000 more people through its doors. Recognizing these critical services, I led efforts to hire more staff and provide more housing counseling and eviction defense. As a lifelong tenant and father of two, I know how critical affordable housing and rent controls are to maintaining diverse neighborhoods and stable schools. As rents continue to skyrocket, we need to defend our Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Our Rent Program keeps rents stabilized. It’s also a place where landlords and tenants resolve disputes without expensive attorneys. I’ve always sought creative solutions. As City Council Aide, I recovered illegally withheld security deposits and helped tenants displaced by fires. On the Housing Commission and Rent Board, I strengthened our Relocation Ordinance and increased affordable housing.